Adnams sets up micro-distillery to make its own vodka

From The Publican

Adnams, the Suffolk brewer, believes it is the first brewer in the UK to establish a micro-distillery to produce its own vodka, gin and, ultimately, whisky.

Adnams chairman Jonathan Adnams said the step from brewing to distilling spirits was a natural one for the company.

"We've been thinking about doing this for some time. We're not going for huge marketing exercise; rather we're looking at a niche product, doing bespoke spirits on a small scale, producing around 30,000 litres a year.

"I believe we are the first brewer to bolt a distillery onto existing operations."

The brewer has revealed plans to produce its own hand-crafted spirit range in its Sole Bay brewery in Southwold, with the first bottles of Adnams vodka and gin expected to hit the shelves in November.

Its first whiskies will be available in time for Christmas 2013, after maturing in oak casks for three years.

Adnams' Cellar & Kitchen stores will initially sell the spirits, with high-end vodka bars and boutique hotels also in the brewer's sights.

Adnams said the group was investing around £500,000 in the project, including refurbishing existing premises to house the still and storage space.

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